Sunrise Bridge with Rock 2 A California Icon Few landmarks are as instantly recognizable—and as inspiring to paint—as the Golden Gate Bridge. With its towering structure, sweeping cables, and vibrant “International Orange” hue, it offers artists a perfect blend of geometry, drama, and atmosphere. Whether you’re sketching it on-site or working from a photo, the […]
Author Archives: Susan Sternau
Wayne Thiebaud’s Art and the Question of Appropriation When you first see a Wayne Thiebaud painting, it’s impossible not to grin. Rows of frosted cakes, slices of pie, and gumball machines pop in thick, buttery brushstrokes, glowing like treasures behind a bakery window. At first glance, they’re just sweet treats—but look closer, and you’ll find […]
Pool with Palms Oil Painting There is something unmistakably poetic about a palm tree. Its shape is simple yet iconic. Palms are tall, graceful, and reach toward the sky with crowns of leaves that move like brushstrokes in the wind. As an artist, I see palm trees not just as symbols of the desert, but […]
With their vibrant orange petals and delicate, silky texture, California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are a beloved emblem of the Golden State. These cheerful wildflowers bloom across hillsides, meadows, and gardens, offering a dazzling display each spring. I have always loved painting flowers, especially California poppies. Here’s a link to the page on my website with […]
Desert X 2025 is a biennial event in California’s Coachella Valley. Every two years since 2017 the Coachella Valley has hosted the outdoor art installations of Desert X. On a windy day at the end of March, I visited three of these large-scale outdoor sculptures, set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount San Jacinto and […]
The Gingerbread House Tour and Competition: With the holidays approaching, the Gingerbread House Tour and Competition has always been one of the reasons I love December in Sausalito. Even though I’ve relocated to Southern California, I enjoy revisiting these wonderful gingerbread creations, and I hope you will too. This is a gingerbread collection from 2016. […]
Art continues to flourish in Sausalito. Although the Sausalito Art Festival has not returned yet to its former glory, check out the upcoming Art Weekend in Sausalito. Art Weekend Sausalito will be the inaugural exhibition at the newly remodeled Sausalito Center For The Arts. The event will highlight over 100 pieces of original art from […]
Perfect Viewing for Gingerbread: Revisiting the 2017 Tour The weather has been perfect this year for touring Sausalito’s new collection of gingerbread houses. A succession of mild sunny days has made it a delight to view the 11th Annual Sausalito Gingerbread House Competition and Tour (sponsored by the Sausalito Chamber of Commerce). I never quite […]
A painting class is a great way to build your team’s spirit and get the creativity flowing. Participants can connect with each other on a group endeavor. Being outside the workplace is refreshing and relaxing. Boost Confidence A team building painting class can provide unique opportunities to overcome fears and boost confidence. The process of […]
Flowers have always been one of my favorite subjects to paint. The magic of painting flowers is key to my inspiration as a painter. This year’s generous rains in Northern California have led to an abundance of spring flowers. It promises to be a very colorful summer here in the Bay Area! This Poppy Garden […]










